How they line up: Travis Zajac returns to action for NJ Devils against Kings

The good and bad from the Devils' first week after the bye week and a preview of this week.
Abbey Mastracco, Staff Writer, @AbbeyMastracco

NEWARK -- Good morning from Newark, where the Devils are getting set to face Ilya Kovalchuk for the first time since he left the team to return to home to Russia and play in the KHL.

Get ready for the boos.

But in other news, Travis Zajac and Ben Lovejoy both took the ice Tuesday morning for the morning skate. Zajac resumed his place on the second line with Miles Wood and Blake Coleman so look for him to return to action against the Los Angeles Kings. However, Ben Lovejoy does not appear to be ready just yet as he skated as an extra with Eric Gryba.

Noted King killer Keith Kinkaid took the starter’s net so Cory Schneider will back him up. Kinkaid is 4-0-0 with two shutouts, including the first one of his career, in five appearances against the Kings and John Hynes likes to play the matchup game when it comes to goaltenders. Schneider will have to wait a few more days to make his triumphant return.

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Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown, left, tries to get a shot past New Jersey Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri, right, celebrates his goal as Los Angeles Kings right wing Tyler Toffoli skates in the background during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson, center, is hit on the face by the stick of Los Angeles Kings center Michael Amadio, right, after goaltender Keith Kinkaid, left, gave up a goal to Kyle Clifford during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood, left, reaches in on Los Angeles Kings center Adrian Kempe, of Sweden, during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

The puck bounces off the cross bar on a shot by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin as New Jersey Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid looks the other way during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, AP

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The Kings are coming off a win over the Rangers on Monday night so no morning skate for L.A. In a rematch of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, Arian Kempe had a three-point night and captain Anze Kopitar scored to help the Kings defeat New York 4-3.

Our old pal Kovalchuck had two assists and two shots on goal.

The two teams from the 2012 Stanley Cup Final are battling out for a lottery pick, both in last place in their respective divisions. The road to Jack Hughes goes through Prudential Center… Well, maybe. We can’t forget about Ottawa, after all.

On a personal note, it's always nice to see the West Coast teams. I covered the Kings and Ducks for four seasons for FOX Sports, NHL.com, the AP and a few other outlets, flying up and down the Southern California freeways between Orange County and L.A. The 2014 Stanley Cup Final was a fun ride and an unforgettable career memory.

And having covered the Kings for so long, I can say they look... Well, pretty much the same. They're still a hard-checking Western Conference team who likes to cycle the puck and they still rely on the same cast of characters: Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Drew Doughty, Alec Martinez and Jonathan Quick. Memories!

Here are the projected lineups for the Devils and Kings. Keep in mind, the lineup for Los Angeles may look different once they take the ice. Nate Thompson may return but Carter could be out after getting injured Monday. Both are considered game-time decisions.

Devils (20-24-7, 47 points)

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